Minnesota Gives Pipeline Green Light

Dec. 1, 2020

Minnesota regulators approved the final permit Monday for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement across northern Minnesota, giving the company the green light to begin construction on the $2.6 billion project. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency granted a construction stormwater permit for the project, which was the last hurdle that Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge needed to clear after years of reviews and court battles. The company notified landowners along the route via letters earlier in the month that it expected construction to “start on approximately November 30.” 

The company has previously said it expected the work to take about nine months. 

Opponents say the project threatens spills in waters where Native Americans harvest wild rice, and that the Canadian tar sands oil it plans to carry would aggravate climate change. However, replacing the deteriorating pipeline is the best option for protecting the environment while meeting the region’s energy needs, according to the article. The company said it has instituted strict coronavirus testing and screening protocols for workers to protect them and surrounding communities.

Source: Minnesota Public Radio